The Canadian government will introduce legislation next year that would make the sale of marijuana legal, its health minister has said.
If enacted, the move would make Canada one of the largest Western countries to allow widespread use of the drug.
Health Minister Jane Philpott pledged on Wednesday to keep marijuana "out of the hands of children and profits out of the hands of criminals".
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pushed for legalisation during his campaign.
The announcement coincided with 20 April - an unofficial holiday among cannabis advocates. Hundreds of marijuana users demonstrated outside Parliament in Ottawa on Wednesday.
Medical use of marijuana is already legal in Canada. Some have argued that legal marijuana would reduce stress on Canada's criminal justice system.
If enacted, the move would make Canada one of the largest Western countries to allow widespread use of the drug.
Health Minister Jane Philpott pledged on Wednesday to keep marijuana "out of the hands of children and profits out of the hands of criminals".
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pushed for legalisation during his campaign.
The announcement coincided with 20 April - an unofficial holiday among cannabis advocates. Hundreds of marijuana users demonstrated outside Parliament in Ottawa on Wednesday.
Medical use of marijuana is already legal in Canada. Some have argued that legal marijuana would reduce stress on Canada's criminal justice system.